PBSO: Woman faked her own kidnapping to get $150 for drugs

A 23-year old woman told Palm Beach County sheriff’s deputies that she faked her own kidnapping Sunday because she needed $150 for drugs.

Sarah Edwards, who was arrested Monday on charges of fraud, making a false report, and giving false information to a law-enforcement officer, remained in the Palm Beach County Jail late Tuesday on $3,000 bail, according to court records.

On Sunday, a 51-year-old woman told investigators she was contacted by a man who said Edwards was kidnapped at gunpoint. The man allegedly said Edwards would be released for $150 at the Wal-Mart parking lot on 10th Avenue North in Palm Springs, just east of Congress Avenue.

The woman, whose relationship to Edwards is redacted from the report, went to the sheriff’s office for help and deputies were sent in an unmarked car to make the exchange, according to the report. Once Edwards was “released” by the alleged kidnappers, she refused to speak with deputies about who had held her against her will.

Deputies also noted she had all of the cash they provided for her release in her hands.

After deputies put her in handcuffs, she admitted she made the whole thing up because she needed cash for drugs, according to the report.

Edwards was previously been convicted of drug possession, theft and dealing in stolen property.